EP1904903B1 - Method for operating and monitoring a control device, corresponding operating/monitoring device, control device, and machine comprising such a control device, and uses of said method, as well as storage media - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method which is characterized in that an interpreter program (24) is executed on the control device (9) and is adapted to access scripts (31) having display components (29, 32) and program architectures (33). Said program architectures (33) are enabled to access operating data of the firmware (20) of the control device (9), said operational data being convertible to display data of a defined display format and vice versa. The scripts (31) are run, the program architectures (33) compiling the corresponding result in the form of display components (29, 32) with optionally the display data in the defined display format and making the result available to the operating/monitoring device (1). A display program (28) is executed on the operating/monitoring device (1) in order to display at least the display components (29, 32) in the defined display format. References to at least one script (31) on the control device (9) are deposited in the display components (29, 32). These references are connected to an event, and the interpreter program (24) initiates and runs the corresponding script (31) when this event occurs. The advantage is that the operating/monitoring device (1) can no longer directly access the sensitive firmware (20) of the control device (9). Communication is carried out via an interpreter program (24). Access to the actual control application (22) is no longer possible.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for operating and monitoring a control device by means of a data-technologically connected operating / monitoring device. The HMI device and the control device have a processor-based control unit for executing software programs. The present invention further relates to an operating / monitoring device with a graphical user interface, input means for a user, a data interface for data communication with a control device and with a processor-based control unit for executing software programs. The invention additionally relates to a control device having a processor-based control unit for executing software programs and having a data interface for data-linkage with an operating / monitoring device. Moreover, the invention relates to a machine with such a control device. The invention also relates to suitable uses of the method for operating and monitoring of automation and manufacturing processes as well as for the commissioning of a control device. Finally, the invention relates to a data storage medium for storing a display or interpreter program for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Such methods are e.g. from the automation and manufacturing technology known. There, machines, systems or system components are monitored with a connected to it or if necessary connectable operating / monitoring device.

Frequently, the term HMI device for human machine interface is also used for an operator control / monitoring device. The term operator / monitor is a device to understand which visualize observation processes and if necessary can also carry out operating procedures by means of accesses to a connected control unit. An example of such an operating / monitoring device is a so-called operator panel, which has a comparatively large display unit for a graphical user interface. On this user interface, parameters, graphs or a schematic image of the machine or system to be monitored can be displayed. Due to the low installation depth, the operator panels can also be designed as a portable unit. Alternatively, they can also be mounted in a control cabinet wall of a plant or machine control. Such operating / monitoring devices are based, for example, on a Windows CE or Linux computer platform.

A machine to be monitored, such as a machine tool or a drive, usually has a control unit which controls, regulates and monitors the power section of the machine, the system or the system part and which makes it suitable for "rough" operation in automation and production technology is. The control unit can also be used to make changes to the parameters for controlling and regulating the machine, the system or the system component. The controllers themselves usually have limited ability to visualize the state of the connected machine. In most cases, light-emitting diodes (LED) are mounted on the outside of such a control device, for example to indicate the proper operation of the machine (green LED). A red glowing or flashing LED usually signals a malfunctioning operation, such as the failure of the machine. It is also known that control devices can have a diagnostic interface, such as via a serial interface based on the V24 or USB standards. For example, a diagnostic device or the aforementioned operator control / monitoring device can be connected via this interface.

The above-mentioned control devices have a control unit, which are usually designed as a so-called "embedded system". An embedded system is embedded computer systems that provide their service in a variety of other applications such as e.g. in airplanes, cars or household appliances. Embedded systems therefore combine the great flexibility of software with the performance of hardware due to their often very hardware-related and comparatively simple design. The software development for these systems is therefore not comparable to that for e.g. Desktop or PC systems. Preferred programming languages are e.g. Assembler or C. Often therefore operating systems are used, which have a limited to the most necessary functions. Although such operating systems do not have memory protection, they are sufficient for real-time requirements. Typical embedded operating systems are e.g. PERL, VxWorks and increasingly also special Linux derivatives.

Embedded systems are usually based on the same hardware as computers, but they are usually subject to highly restrictive conditions. Thus, e.g. Microcontrollers are used, which compared to known from the desktop or notebook area CPUs have a very limited architecture and performance. Other computer components such as hard disk, keyboard, screen are mostly missing completely. As required, a small keypad may be provided for input and a small LCD display for output. A small Flash ROM or Flash RAM chip as electronic memory replaces mechanical components such as a hard disk.

The software programs on an embedded system, such as the "stripped-down" operating system and the actual control application, are also referred to as firmware. The firmware is usually on a ROM and thus can not be changed during operation. In the case of a flash ROM, there is the possibility of a firmware update, without the chip must be replaced. On In this way, the "software" can be updated, for example, via the external data interface.

HMI devices have heretofore provided a parameter interface so that direct access to the embedded system can be made to provide internal operating data of the firmware, e.g. to "interrogate" the control logic, system parameters or internal operating states. Control units available today can handle extremely complex control and regulating tasks in automation and production technology.

The disadvantage of this is inevitably the extremely complex and complex mapping of the control logic or the structure of the control and regulation mechanisms on the HMI device. This "mirroring" the logic also creates a strong dependence between the control units and the HMI devices in terms of variety and the technical development of such devices.

Another disadvantage is when e.g. the customer or service personnel of a machine, plant or equipment must be granted access to the firmware of a control unit's control unit in order to make customer-specific adjustments. In this case, entering incorrect parameters may result in errors and possibly damage to the controller or the machine connected to the controller.

Much of the development time and development costs are reflected as a machine-specific application that is stored as firmware in the control unit. Such an application also provides the "condensate", i. the know-how, the development.

It is therefore a great disadvantage if third parties can access or access such applications in the firmware of a control unit.

From the US Pat. No. 6,854,026 B1 For example, a system is known which connects to a local web browser via a local communication network of a PC and communications applications to a local device. The local device is for example a PLC or an I / O module. An additional device can be connected to the PLC. On the one hand, the PC can be connected to the internet. On the PC can be a web browser, which can be started by an application. Web browser applets or active x-objects can be transmitted via the communication network.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and a corresponding operating / monitoring device and control device, as well as a machine with such a control device, by which the effort for the development and maintenance of an operating / monitoring device and a control device is reduced.

It is a further object of the invention to reduce the expense of adapting an operating / monitoring device to a control device to be connected.

A further object of the invention is to prevent access to the firmware of a control device, wherein a control and monitoring of the control unit should continue to be possible.

The problem is solved for the method in a characteristic manner in that an interpreter program is executed on the control unit, which can access scripts with display modules and program structures. The program structures can access operating data of the firmware of the control device, wherein the operating data are converted into display data of a predeterminable display format and vice versa. The scripts are processed, the program structures the associated result in the form of display blocks with possibly the display data in the default display format put together and make the result available to the HMI device. On the operating / monitoring device, a display program is executed to display at least display blocks in the predeterminable display format. References to at least one script are stored on the control unit in the display modules. The references are related to an event, whereby the associated script is started and processed by the interpreter program when the event occurs.

A special feature of the invention is that the display / display unit shown display modules with appropriate Events in turn start scripts in the control unit. As a result of the processing, these scripts put together new display modules, which in turn can be loaded by the HMI device. As it were, scripts are started - viewed from the operating / monitoring device - and the corresponding result of the script processing is then loaded for display.

The big advantage of the invention is that the operating / monitoring device can no longer directly access the sensitive firmware of the control unit. Communication now takes place via an interpreter program. Access to the actual control application as well as to the internal operating data of the firmware is no longer possible. The program structures of the scripts are structured such that they allow read and write access to the control logic of the control unit. Advantageously, it is possible to check inadmissible parameter values, such as e.g. for plausibility. This prevents impermissible conditions and consequently possible damage to the control unit and the connected machine.

The interpreter program executed by the control unit processes step-by-step scripts. Scripts consist of a list of commands that are processed one after the other. For this "scripting language" a simple program syntax is defined, which also includes conditional statements such as branches, loops and function calls. The existing instruction set can also be expanded dynamically by including new program structures in a command library, for example. The use of scripts is known, for example, from the programming languages Visual Basic or JAVA-Script. The scripts are written in clear text and are easy to read and modify. Other well-known examples of scripts are so-called macros.

This is another great advantage. Because the scripting language, i. the sequential arrangement of the simple structured script commands, allows a "programming" on a high level of abstraction, without knowledge of the actual firmware is necessary. This allows customers as well as OEM suppliers to create their own applications for their own purposes. Simple script commands may e.g. "SETPARAM" or "GETPARAM" with a subsequently specified number of required arguments to be submitted or accepted.

The scripts described above can also take over the control of "wizards". Wizards are interactive utilities, such as Installers.

Since the interpreter program executes the instructions sequentially by adding to the respective instruction an executable code, e.g. is executed in a runtime library, compilation is advantageously not necessary for changes to the scripts, the display blocks and the program structures. The access to the complex control logic of the control unit with its device-specific features is done solely by the interpreter program.

The interpreter program can also perform other tasks in the control unit, which are not assigned to the HMI device. The interpreter program may e.g. execute written applications for the firmware in the scripting language.

Another great advantage is that customer-specific adjustments, such as in the form of a modified representation of parameters, do not require any changes to the firmware of the operating / monitoring device and the firmware of the control unit. The changes are made exclusively by loading new files with scripts and possibly with display blocks and program structures into the control unit.

The operating data of the firmware, which are usually in a binary format, are converted by means of the program structures into display data of a predefined display format. One possible display format is e.g. a so-called ASCII string, which converts a binary operating date into a plaintext string. Such a character string can also be enclosed between two so-called "tags" for the purpose of identifying the display program. Tags are e.g. used in the markup language XML or in the description language HTML.

The references are, as previously described, associated with a triggering event. An event may e.g. be a user action on a graphical user interface of the HMI device. An example of a user action is choosing one of several options in a so-called combo box. The selection may e.g. using a mouse pointer by clicking on the desired option. Depending on this, a reference to an associated script is output on the control unit. Also, a reference to the same script on the controller is possible by e.g. with the reference an associated text or an associated identifier of the selected option is output as an argument.

An event may e.g. also be an internal alarm or alarm state of the controller. Such messages are e.g. generated in the context of an interrupt or a so-called Exception or cyclically output by a monitoring program of the control unit by means of an interrupt. Depending on an event to be triggered, a corresponding display module can also be generated and stored. This display module may e.g. visualize an error or warning text. In this way, messages can advantageously also be transmitted to the operating / monitoring device, even if there is no user action.

In particular, the display modules include, for example, text fields, bitmaps, edit fields. This can be for the Operating / monitoring device can easily create new user interfaces in a modular way.

Furthermore, the program structures include e.g. mathematical and logical functions as well as program branches and loops. Mathematical functions may e.g. Be multiplication, division, addition. Logical functions may e.g. OR, AND, shift operations or bit-related operations. The program structures may even be structured in such a way that functions recursively call themselves. In this way, a construction of powerful and at the same time simple commands is possible.

It can be combined into display pages according to a further process variant several display modules. As a result, entire screen pages with a multiplicity of display modules can advantageously be represented as the processing result of a script, such as e.g. a root menu or a startup window.

Preferably, the interpreter program manages data in the form of variables and arrays, which can be defined in the scripts. As a result, application-related data types can be advantageously declared and used.

The scripts, the display modules and the program structures are preferably stored as files in a library. The term library is to be interpreted broadly. In particular, this is to be understood as a data-technically advantageous organization of the "source files" of the scripts, display modules and program structures, such as e.g. in directories or folders.

The above files can also be in a compressed file format and decompressed when called by the interpreter program. The unpacking or decompression can be done using a small parser program. The file compression allows a significant significant reduction in the memory requirements of the otherwise available in plain text "source files". In addition, the processing speed of the interpreter program increases advantageously.

The display modules or the display pages combined from display modules are preferably stored in a result file. This result file can easily be loaded from the HMI device via file transfer commands. This can e.g. by specifying the file name and the associated path.

Like the "source files", the display blocks or the display pages combined from display blocks can also be saved in a compressed file format in the result file. For this, the interpreter program executes a suitable compression program. After loading the compressed file, it is unpacked again by the display program. Especially suitable for this is an ACX or ACF file format, which compresses text with minimal software effort particularly effectively.

In a further preferred embodiment, the display program cyclically checks for the presence of updated display modules or updated display pages combined from display modules. If, for example, If the result file now has a later date and time than the last loaded result file, the result file is loaded and the displayed objects are displayed.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the scripts, the display modules and the program structures are structured in the notation of the markup language XML (Extentable Markup Language). XML is a standardized markup language that uses concepts and rules to create its own markup languages, programming languages and scripting languages can be defined. A script language developed on the basis of these concepts and rules consists again and again of elements, marked by so-called tags, their nesting rules and attributes with permitted value assignments.

The big advantage of an XML-based scripting language is the ease of extensibility of these elements, as well as the availability of a variety of development tools such as XML tools, editors and test tools such as DTD (document type definition) for syntax checking.

Alternatively, the script language Tcl (Tool Command Language) with display blocks based on Tk (Tool Kit) can be used to process the scripts. Appropriate libraries and tools are also available so that a user will be able to create scripts in a very short time.

Preferably, the interpreter program is executed by the control unit in a background process. This has the advantage that primarily control and regulatory tasks are performed by the controller, so that these tasks are not affected by script calls.

In particular, the control unit executes software programs of a real-time or real-time operating system, e.g. PERL, VxWorks or RTLinux, off. This makes it possible to execute several monitoring, control and regulation tasks in parallel. A higher-level time slice management ensures that the tasks to be carried out, according to their prioritization, receive sufficient computing time within a predefinable time interval.

In a further advantageous variant of the method, the data transmission between the operating / monitoring device and the control device takes place by wireless means, such as by means of the standardized transmission method WLAN, Bluetooth radio-technical basis or by means of IRDA based on infrared rays. Compared to common standardized line-based transmission methods, such as LAN, Ethernet or USB, a connection can be established immediately as soon as the HMI device reaches the detection area of a control unit. Since all display components are loaded and displayed exclusively by the respective control unit both in the wireless and in the wired data transmission, the operation and monitoring of several achievable control units is also advantageously possible. After selecting one of the achievable control devices, for example, a refresh or update button on the operating / monitoring device can be pressed so that the result file to be monitored for the control device to be monitored can be read out and displayed with the display modules.

The method according to the invention can also be used for starting up a control device. Thus, by means of an advantageously single HMI device, e.g. a whole plant with a variety of control units are put into operation.

The inventive method can be used particularly advantageously for operating and monitoring of automation and manufacturing processes, since in this industrial environment a large number of different control devices with different control and regulation tasks is used.

Furthermore, the display program for carrying out the method according to the invention can be stored on an operating / monitoring device in (exclusively) machine-readable form on a data storage medium.

Also, the interpreter program and / or the library of scripts, display blocks and program structures for carrying out the method according to the invention on a control unit stored in machine-readable form on a data storage medium.

The data storage medium may e.g. a floppy disk, a compact disk (CD) or a digital versatile disk (DVD). Alternatively, the data storage medium may also be a compact electronic memory card, in particular an MM card, SD card or CF card.

The data storage medium can advantageously be read out on site by means of a suitable reading device in the operating / monitoring device or in the control unit. In particular, electronic memory cards and the corresponding readers are advantageous because of their extremely compact design for installation in an operating / monitoring device or in a control unit.

The object is further achieved with a method corresponding to the operating / monitoring device. For this purpose, the operating / monitoring device has a graphical user interface, input means for a user, a data interface for the data connection of the operating / monitoring device to a control device and a processor-based control unit for executing software programs.

The control unit is used to execute a display program for carrying out the method according to the invention. The display program is used in particular for loading and displaying at least display modules in a predefinable display format on the graphical user interface. The display program is also used to output a reference to at least one script on the control unit. The reference is stored in the display blocks and can be selected by a user action on the graphical user interface.

In a particular embodiment, an operating / monitoring device according to the invention has a touch screen, which at the same time displays the graphical user interface, such as an LCD display, and input means. Display modules shown on the graphical user interface, which offer a plurality of possibilities for a selection to a user, advantageously allow a selection with a finger pressure. Furthermore, the number of keys is advantageously reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, the HMI device is designed as a portable mobile unit. This device can advantageously be used e.g. be carried by a service technician or a commissioning for the respective application.

Particularly advantageous is the formation of an operating / monitoring device as an operator panel for use in automation and manufacturing technology. Such devices are designed especially for the harsh industrial environment.

The object is further achieved with a control device corresponding to the method. Such a control device has a processor-based control unit for executing software programs and a data interface for data communication with an operating / monitoring device.

The control unit is used to execute an interpreter program for carrying out the method according to the invention. In particular, the interpreter program serves to start and execute a script by means of an associated reference to the script in the control unit received from the data interface. Likewise, the interpreter program is used to compile the associated processing result by means of the program structures of the started script in the form of display modules. Finally, the interpreter program is used to store the display blocks on the controller.

The control unit of such a control device preferably has a microcontroller. A microcontroller, unlike a CPU, includes a variety of digital ones Inputs and outputs as well as possibly several analog inputs and outputs. As a result, advantageously many measurement signals, switching signals, speed signals, etc. can be detected. At the same time, a large number of actuators can be actuated via downstream power amplifiers, such as motors, actuators, valves. By integrating the input / output channels on the microcontroller, an extremely compact design is possible.

In part, microcontrollers include an integrated RAM memory and a ROM memory. In this way, even in mechanical terms, a stored in the ROM memory firmware to protect against unauthorized access.

Such a control unit can also be regarded as a system embedded in the control unit (embedded system). Further necessary matching circuits and driver components can be arranged with the microcontroller on a board extremely compact and possibly encapsulated against environmental influences.

Particularly advantageous is the formation of a control device as an automation device. Due to the variety of control and regulation tasks in the industrial environment, there is a desire for easy-to-use and observable devices.

Finally, a machine or a plant part, which or which has a control unit according to the invention for controlling the machine or the plant part, advantageous to operate faster and more effective and to observe.

FIG 1

einen beispielhaftes Bedien-/Beobachtungsgerät, welches mit einem Steuergerät datentechnisch verbunden ist,

FIG 2

eine Darstellung der Funktionsblöcke des beispielhaften Bedien-/Beobachtungsgeräts und Steuergeräts und deren Wechselwirkung gemäß dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren,

FIG 3

ein Beispiel für den Aufbau einer Bibliothek mit Anzeigebausteinen, Programmstrukturen und Skripten gemäß der Erfindung,

FIG 4, 5

beispielhafte Programmstrukturen in der Notation der Auszeichnungssprache XML,

FIG 6, 7

beispielhafte Skripte in XML,

FIG 8, 9

beispielhafte Datenstruktur einer Programmstruktur in XML, welche mit der internen Steuerlogik eines Steuergeräts interagiert,

FIG 10-13

beispielhafte grafisch dargestellte Anzeigebausteine sowie die jeweilige zugehörige Abfolge von Befehlen in XML,

FIG 14

die prinzipielle Funktionsweise der Komprimierung eines beispielhaften XML-Skripts in eine entsprechende AXF-Datei gemäß der Erfindung,

FIG 15

ein beispielhaftes Steuergerät mit einem Lesegerät zum Auslesen einer elektronischen Speicherkarte als Datenspeichermedium für ein Interpreter-Programm gemäß der Erfindung,

FIG 16

einen beispielhaften Ablauf für das Starten, Abarbeiten eines Skripts und eines daraus erzeugten Anzeigebausteins gemäß dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren am Beispiel eines Testskripts und

FIG 17

die zugehörigen Befehlszeilen des beispielhaften Skripts bzw. Anzeigebausteins gemäß FIG 16 in XML.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. It shows

FIG. 1

an exemplary operating / monitoring device, which is connected to a control device for data processing,

FIG. 2

a representation of the functional blocks of the exemplary HMI device and controller and their interaction according to the inventive method,

FIG. 3

an example for the construction of a library with display modules, program structures and scripts according to the invention,

4, 5

exemplary program structures in the notation of the markup language XML,

FIG. 6, 7

exemplary scripts in XML,

FIG. 8, 9

exemplary data structure of a program structure in XML, which interacts with the internal control logic of a control unit,

FIG. 10-13

exemplary graphically displayed display modules as well as the respective associated sequence of instructions in XML,

FIG. 14

the basic mode of operation of the compression of an exemplary XML script into a corresponding AXF file according to the invention,

FIG. 15

an exemplary controller with a reader for reading an electronic memory card as a data storage medium for an interpreter program according to the invention,

FIG. 16

an exemplary sequence for starting, processing a script and a display module generated therefrom according to the inventive method using the example of a test script and

FIG. 17

the associated command lines of the example script or display block according to FIG. 16 in XML.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary operating / monitoring device 1, which is connected to a control unit 9 data technology. The operating / monitoring device 1 has a display unit or, a graphical user interface 2 for displaying the display units loaded by the control unit 9. In addition, the operator control / monitoring device 1 comprises, for example, a row of keys 3, which execute so-called softkeys commands or functions on the graphical user interface 2 overlying symbolized or described. The buttons 4 allow you to adjust the brightness of the display. A numeric block 5 allows the input of numerical values, eg a change of process parameters. By means of the switch 6, the operating / monitoring device 1 can be switched on and off. By means of the key marked with MENU an immediate return to a master menu is possible. By the reference numeral 8 indicator lights are marked.

FIG. 1 further shows an exemplary control unit 9, which is connected to a motor 13 according to the example of the figure. The motor 13 and the control unit 9 form according to the example of the figure, a machine 14, such as a machine tool. The control unit 9 can also be flanged directly on the engine 13. The control unit 9 has a control unit 10, preferably designed as an embedded system. The control unit 10 communicates with the operating / monitoring device 1 via a wireless or line-connected data connection 15. The exemplary motor 13 is connected to the control unit 9 via output lines 11 and input lines 12, such as for detecting the rotational speed.

FIG. 2 shows a representation of the functional blocks of the exemplary HMI device 1 and the control unit 9 and their interaction according to the inventive method. The operating / monitoring device 1 has an operating system 26 for carrying out the essential input and output functions of the operating / monitoring device 9. The reference numeral 27 is an exemplary application APPL referred to separately or in parallel to a display program 28 - im Example of the figure called "HMI" - can be executed. The application 27 may be, for example, a text editor or a calculator program.

FIG. 2 further shows the exemplary control unit 9 with the control unit 10, characterized by a dot-dashed frame. The control unit 10 includes an operating system 21 and by way of example an application 22. This application 22 may, for example, a control and regulation program for the connected to the control unit 9 exemplary engine 13 according to FIG. 1 be. Operating system 21 and application 22 form the firmware of the control unit 10 by way of example.

According to the invention, an interpreter program 24 is provided which can read out scripts, display modules and program structures in the XML notation from a library 30. This is indicated by an arrow labeled READ. Display modules 29 generated as part of the processing are stored as result file 25. This is symbolized by the further arrow labeled WRITE. Another arrow labeled START indicates the way a request from the display program 28 to the interpreter program 24 takes. In this way, a label of the desired script is transmitted, which is then processed directly by the interpreter program. The result of this processing can be loaded subsequently by the display program 28 as a result file 25. This is symbolized by the arrow labeled LOAD.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the structure of a library 30 with scripts 31, display modules 32 and program constructs 33. In this case, the scripts 31 can in turn be combined from display modules 32 and program structures 33. The display modules 32 and program constructs 33 stored in the library 30 are modularly integrated by the interpreter program as part of script processing into a new display module. As described above, it is advantageous to organize them as files in directories or folders.

4, 5 show exemplary program structures 331, 332 in the notation of the markup language XML.

FIG. 4 shows the principal syntax of a program structure 331 named "ADD" which adds a series of summands. The summands are called when this program structure is called 331 in the form of arguments. <arg> denotes the beginning of an argument to be submitted. </ arg> the corresponding end. The numerical value to be passed is then inserted between these two parenthesized expressions. After processing, the result, ie the sum of the summands, is returned as the result of the calling function.

FIG. 5 shows as program structure 332 a well-known IF-ELSE instruction, which is known from other programming languages, such as PASCAL. The associated exemplary data structure specifies that the operands to be compared are to be transferred in the first and third line with arguments. The second line should indicate the type of comparison by means of an operator, such as "greater", "equal", "smaller". In the following two lines, labeled with <do> arguments, the command is executed in case the result of the comparison is positive. In the other case, the alternative processing takes place according to the keyword designated "ELSE".

FIG. 6 . 7 show example scripts 311, 312 in XML.

The script according to FIG. 6 entitled LOAD_PAGE is specified and started on the HMI device 1 in response to a user action by the display program. The exemplary data structure determines from a relative path specification an absolute path, so that the desired file can be addressed. By means of the command PARSE_PAGE, the file, which in turn may have scripts 31, display modules 32 or program structures 33, is loaded and then processed.

FIG. 7 shows a program structure 312 entitled "LOAD_PARAMETER". According to XML notation, the innermost program structure is executed first, ie the command "GETPARAM". The calculated parameter value is then converted into a string, ie into a character string, and then stored as a display component in the result file.

FIG. 8 . 9 show by way of example the data structure 333 of a program structure 334 in XML, which interacts with the internal control logic of a control unit.

FIG. 8 shows the data structure of a GETPARAM and a SETPARAM statement. The number of arguments to be passed or read is given in the respective data structure.

FIG. 9 shows a program structure based on this, which - again starting from the innermost program structure - reads out the value of the parameter 98 and writes this value into the parameter 99. This is a simple copy instruction.

FIG. 10-13 show exemplary graphically displayed display modules 291-292 as well as the respective associated sequence of instructions 294-295 in XML. FIG. 10 shows a text box titled "Main Menu". The size of this example text field is determined by the parameter size = "16" FIG. 11 established. If this text field is selected, for example, with a mouse pointer, then the interpreter program 24 is caused by the display program 28 to load the exemplary file "SINAMICS_G \ MAIN.AXF" whose display modules can display a main menu screen page. FIG. 12 shows a so-called combobox with the current title "enuml". By selecting the indicated arrow 293 then a selection of several fields can be made. The possible choice is exemplary according to FIG. 13 specified in the command lines with the keyword "item".

FIG. 14 11 shows the basic mode of operation of the compression of an exemplary XML script 40 into a corresponding AXF file 43 according to the invention. The script 40 is given in plain text. In terms of data technology, this script is nothing more than a string of a certain length. By means of an AXF Dictionary 42 are instructions, such as "text", "combobox update" or "item" by a corresponding hexadecimal abbreviation is shown. Likewise, according to a translation table 41, number types such as "INTEGER" or "FLOAT" may be replaced by further abbreviations. The result, ie the AXF file 43, is shown in hexadecimal representation. In comparison to the original memory requirement of the script 40 in plain text, the memory requirement has been significantly reduced.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary controller 9 with a reader 51 for reading an electronic memory card 50 as a data storage medium for an interpreter program 24 according to the invention. The electronic memory card 50 can be plugged into a slot 51 provided for this purpose on the outside of the control unit 9.

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary sequence for starting, processing a script 52 and a display module 54 generated therefrom according to the inventive method using the example of a test script.

FIG. 17 shows the associated command lines of the example script or display in XML FIG. 16 ,

According to FIG. 16 the test script 52 is stored in compressed form on an electronic memory card 50. The test script 52 will now be considered a new "application" created by a customer or programmer for the controller 9. After insertion of the electronic memory card 50, the compressed XML file contained thereon is unpacked by means of a parser program 53 on the control unit 9 and subsequently edited by the interpreter program 24.

FIG. 17 shows the unpacked command lines as they are to the interpreter program 24 after unpacking. It is in the test script to an addition program "ADD", which should add the two numbers 1 and 2. This addition program is now processed by the interpreter program 24 and a corresponding display module in script form generated. This is on the right side of the FIG. 17 shown. The display module now also contains as text 1 + 2 = 3 the result of the mathematical operation. This display module is then compressed and stored as result file 54 on the control unit 9, such as in a RAM disk. This result file 54 is loaded by a loading command of the display program 28 and then the display module is displayed on the graphical user interface of the operating / monitoring device 1. This is the example of FIG. 16 shown.

Claims (35)

1. Method for operating and monitoring a control device (9) by means of an operating/monitoring device (1) which has a data-oriented link to it, with the control device (9) and the operating/monitoring device (1) having a processor-supported control unit (10) for executing software programs,
   characterised in that

   a) an interpreter program (24) is executed on the control device (9), and can access scripts (31) with display modules (32) and program structures (33),

   b) the program structures (33) can access operating data for the firmware on the control device (9), with the items of operating data being converted into display data in a prescribable display format, and vice versa,

   c) the scripts (31) are processed, in doing which the program structures (33) compile the associated result in the form of display modules (32) with any necessary display data in the prescribed display format, and make the result available to the operating/monitoring device (1),

   d) a display program (28) is executed on the operating/monitoring device (1) in order to display at least display modules (32) in the prescribable display format, and

   e) stored in the display modules (32) are references to at least one script (31) on the control device (9), these being associated with an event, by which means the associated script (31) is started and processed by the interpreter program (24) when the event occurs.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the event is a user action, which can be selected on a graphical user interface (2) of the operating/monitoring device (1).
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the event is an internal report or alarm state of the control device (9).
4. Method according to claim 3, characterised in that the internal report or alarm state (9) is output cyclically by the control device (9).
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the display modules (32) incorporate text fields, bit maps, edit fields.
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the program structures (33) incorporate mathematical and logical functions together with program branches and loops.
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that several display modules (32) are combined into display pages.
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the interpreter program manages data in the form of variables and arrays which are defined in the scripts (31).
9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the scripts (31), the display modules (32) and the program structures (33) are present in a library (30) as files.
10. Method according to claim 9, characterised in that the files are present in a compressed file format.
11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the display modules (32) or the display pages made by combining display modules (32), as applicable, are stored in a results file (25).
12. Method according to claim 11, characterised in that the results file (25) is decompressed again after it has been loaded by the display program (28).
13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the display program (28) checks cyclically for the presence of updated display modules (32) or updated display pages from combinations of display modules (32), as applicable, and if they are present loads and displays them.
14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the scripts (31), the display modules (32) and program structures (33) are structured in the notation of the XML markup language (Extensible Markup Language).
15. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that for the purpose of processing the scripts (31), use is made of the script language Tcl with display modules (32) based on Tk.
16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the interpreter program (24) is executed by the control unit (10) in a background process.
17. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (10) executes software programs of a real time operating system.
18. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the operating/monitoring device (1) and the control device (9) communicate via a wireless data transmission link.
19. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the method is applied during the commissioning of the control device (9).
20. Method according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that the method is applied for operating and monitoring automation and manufacturing processes.
21. Data storage medium with a display program (28), stored in machine-readable form, for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 18 on a device, with the device especially being an operating/monitoring device (1), with the program especially being a display program (28).
22. Data storage medium according to claim 21, with the program being an interpreter program (24), with a library (30) of scripts (31), display modules (32) and program structures (33) for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 18, with device being a control device (9).
23. Operating/monitoring device with a graphical user interface (2), with facilities (3-7) for user inputs, with a data interface for a data-oriented link between the operating/monitoring device and a control device (9) and with a processor-supported control unit (10) for executing software programs, characterised by the control unit (10) for executing a display program (28) for carrying out Method according to one of claims 1 to 18

    a) for loading and displaying on the graphical user interface (2) at least display modules (29), in a prescribable display format, and

    b) for outputting a reference to at least one script (31) on the control device (9), with the reference being held in the display modules (32) and being able to be selected by a user action on the graphical user interface (2).
24. Operating/monitoring device according to claim 23, characterised in that the graphical user interface (2) is a touch screen.
25. Operating/monitoring device according to claim 23 or 24, characterised in that the operating/monitoring device (1) takes the form of a portable mobile unit.
26. Operating/monitoring device according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterised in that the operating/monitoring device (1) is an operator panel for use in automation and manufacturing technology.
27. Operating/monitoring device according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterised in that the operating/monitoring device (1) has a reader for a data storage medium according to claim 21 or 22, such as for example a diskette, CD, DVD drive or a reader for reading out electronic memory cards (50).
28. Operating/monitoring device according to one of claims 23 to 27, characterised by a wireless data interface based on a WLAN, IRDA or Bluetooth standard for connecting it to the control device (9).
29. Control device with a processor-supported control unit (10) for executing software programs and with a data interface for a data-oriented link to an operating/monitoring device (1), characterised by the control unit (10) for executing an interpreter program (24) for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 18

    a) for starting and processing a script (31) by means of an associated reference to the script (31) in the control device (9), received from the data interface,

    b) for compiling the associated result of the processing, using the program structures (33) for the script which has been started (31), in the form of display modules (32), if necessary with the display data in the prescribed display format, and

    c) for storing the display modules (32) on the control device (9).
30. Control device according to claim 29, characterised by a microcontroller as the control unit (10).
31. Control device according to claim 29 or 30, characterised in that the control unit (10) is a system embedded in the control device (9).
32. Control device according to one of claims 29 to 31, characterised in that the control device (9) is a programmable controller.
33. Control device according to one of claims 29 to 32, characterised in that the control device (9) has a reader (51) for reading out electronic memory cards (50).
34. Control device according to one of claims 29 to 33, characterised by a wireless data interface based on a WLAN, IRDA or Bluetooth standard, for connecting it to the operating/monitoring device (1).
35. Machine tool with a control device (9) according to one of claims 29 to 34.

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